Emperor Wu of Song

Lore & Background

His aunt rescued him from abandonment by weaning her own son to nurse Liu Yu. He grew up poor, selling straw sandals and gambling, and was looked down upon by his village. Huan Xuan then persuaded Liu Laozhi to switch sides, leading to Sima Yuanxuan's defeat and death. Huan Xuan stripped Liu Laozhi of command, and Liu Laozhi committed suicide after Liu Yu advised against resistance. Liu Yu returned to Jingkou as a civilian but soon rejoined the army, repelling attacks by Lu Xun, Sun En's nephew. Liu Yu feigned loyalty while planning rebellion. Some plots failed, but Liu Yu defeated Huan Xuan's generals and arrived at Jiankang, causing Huan Xuan to flee west. Through a mixture of political and military skills, Liu Yu gradually concentrated power and expanded Jin's territory. He ruled only two years before dying and passing the throne to his son, Emperor Shao of Song.

Reader's Guide

Emperor Wu of Song is significant as the founder of the Liu Song dynasty, which marked the beginning of the Southern Dynasties period in Chinese history. His rise from poverty to emperor exemplifies the social mobility possible during times of upheaval. As an outstanding commander, perhaps the greatest of his era, he conquered two of the Sixteen Kingdoms and remained undefeated throughout his military career. His political acumen allowed him to gradually consolidate power while expanding Jin territory before taking the throne. His brief two-year reign established a dynasty that would last for nearly six decades. His legacy includes the transition from the Eastern Jin to the Liu Song, a pivotal shift in the political landscape of early medieval China.

Did You Know?

• He remained undefeated throughout his military career and conquered two of the Sixteen Kingdoms.
• Liu Yu was a 20th generation descendant of Liu Jiao, a younger brother of Han dynasty founder Emperor Gaozu of Han.